eCommerce

New York City -- New York & Co. said Tuesday it has launched its debut Facebook sweepstakes campaign, which it will promote through multiple social media outlets.

The promotion, which runs Nov. 1 – Nov. 16, utilizes email, in-store signage, Facebook and Twitter, and awards a sweepstakes winner a trip for two to New York City, as well as provides gift cards to runners up.
 

MINNEAPOLIS — The unexpected announcement that Target EVP and CFO Doug Scovanner will retire on March 31, 2012 has investors speculating about the reasons for his departure following the recent exit of other key executives.

Analysts at Bernstein Research pointed to the fact that no successor has been named, suggesting that the retirement was not a long planned for event. However, the firm said it believes that despite the unexpected news, this appears to be a true retirement and doesn't anticipate seeing Scovanner in a CFO role at another major company.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart said Monday it has completed a new $100 million senior secured revolving credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. to replace an existing $150 million revolving credit facility, which was maturing in early 2012.

The new facility can be increased to $150 million and matures in February 2017. The revolving credit is for general corporate purposes, including issuing standby and commercial letters of credit, and provides an additional source of liquidity, according to Stein Mart.

Indianapolis -- Kite Realty Group said that The Flying Cupcake has leased 856 sq. ft. at Rivers Edge Shopping Center, located in Indianapolis.

Rivers Edge, recently renovated, is anchored by Nordstrom Rack, Buy Buy Baby, The Container Store, Harry & Izzy’s and soon Arhaus Furniture. The total GLA is 152,575 sq. ft.

Chicago -- A report released Tuesday by retail foot traffic counter ShopperTrak identified the 10 holiday shopping days that will make or break the period for retailers.

“Since Christmas falls on different calendar days each year, the shift impacts which days are the busiest,” said ShopperTrak co-founder Bill Martin. “Some change in ranking or drop off completely.”

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys“R”Us announced that it has entered into a joint venture with Li & Fung Retailing that would make Toys"R"Us Inc. the majority shareholder of Toys"R"Us operations in Southeast Asia and Greater China. With this agreement, the existing Toys“R”Us licensed operations throughout Asia, which currently consist of more than 100 stores and offices across nine markets, will become 70% majority owned and controlled by Toys“R”Us Inc. and 30% owned by Li & Fung Retailing.

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys “R” Us announced Tuesday a joint venture with Li & Fung Retailing that will expand Toys “R” Us in Southeast Asia and Greater China.

With the new agreement, the existing Toys “R” Us licensed operations throughout Asia, consisting of more than 100 stores and offices across nine markets, will become 70% majority owned and controlled by Toys “R” Us and 30% owned by Li & Fung Retailing.

Has anyone else noticed that the Christmas holiday “season” starts earlier and earlier each year? This year, Walmart had their Christmas displays out by mid-September and many retailers were touting holiday sales in October! I still remember when Black Friday was the “official” kick-off to the holiday shopping season and it was surprising to see Christmas decorations up in mid-November. I keep wondering what the real-world implications of this calendar shift might mean – if anything – for retailers’ overall holiday and end-of-year sales?